FAMU and joint college alum Johnnie Tangle in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering A Atrium in 2026. (Raina Jenkins and Hailey Christy/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
From the moment he stepped onto the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering campus, Johnnie Tangle set out to do more than earn a degree. He set out to make a difference.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tangle credits his family, particularly his father, for instilling values of generosity, faith and belief in others. Those early lessons have guided him from the halls of the joint college to his current role as founder of Friends of the Program, a Los Angeles-based business development firm that helps organizations, founders and brands grow through strategic partnerships and cultural alignment.
The 2005 graduate earned his degree in industrial and manufacturing engineering and built a career at the intersection of technology, entertainment and community.
“My time at FAMU was transformational, it shaped my technical foundation and instilled a lifelong commitment to leadership, service and community,” Tangle shared.
Where Two Universities Became One Foundation
The joint college’s multicultural environment, Tangle says, prepared him well for today’s collaborative workplaces. “It taught me to communicate effectively and collaborate with people who approached problems differently. That balance and confidence are critical in modern engineering and business teams.”
He sees the dual identity of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering as a genuine asset: “At FAMU, I found a culture of definitive leadership and a dynamic network. At FSU, I tapped into world-class facilities and an expansive community. Together, they gave me both purpose and practical know-how.”
Tangle’s path was not without obstacles. In his first year, he faced significant academic challenges and recovered from a concussion just before finals. Perseverance and mentor support proved pivotal. A NASA interview led to a co-op, a full scholarship and the honor of being named a Thurgood Marshall Presidential Scholar. “I’m forever grateful to those who saw my potential and believed in me,” he says.
He also remembers the professors who left a lasting mark: “Professor Simone Peterson Hruda genuinely wanted us to grasp the material, while Professor Okoli constantly pushed us to grow, reminding us to never get too comfortable and to always be brave enough to take the next step forward.”
NSBE: Where Leadership Took Root
Tangle’s commitment to community began well before graduation. “My journey with NSBE began in high school, when a pre-college outreach program opened my eyes to the power of engineering and community,” he says. “When I got invited to the National Convention that year, the initial experience was life-changing.”
As a student at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, he held multiple leadership roles within the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) FAMU-FSU chapter, starting a local NSBE Jr. chapter in Tallahassee and serving as Regional PCI Chair.
“NSBE gave me my first roles in progressive leadership,” Tangle says. “I learned what it was like to be accountable for a team of people, create relationships and seek partnerships. At the FAMU-FSU NSBE chapter, I was introduced to people from different engineering disciplines and helped build community, especially for those of us from out of state.”
The reach of that early work still resonates with him. “It makes me proud to see that many of the high school students who participated have now gone on to be doctors, lawyers and business leaders.”
A Career at the Crossroads of Tech, Entertainment and Service
Today, Friends of the Program serves as the business management team for clients including Eventnoire, an event platform, and Amanda Spann, founder of App Accelerator. Tangle also maintains advisory roles with NSBE and The Black Tech Collective.
“Engineering taught me to break systems down, see how the parts connect and curate creative solutions,” he says. “Those skills are the backbone of business development and partnership strategy.”
Some of Tangle’s most vivid college memories are the energy when companies visited campus to recruit, and the late-night study sessions with friends during midterms and finals. “Those nights weren’t just about studying, they were about building bonds and creating memories that lasted far beyond the classroom,” he recalls.
Paying It Forward
“Paying it forward isn’t just a motto, it’s my mission,” Tangle says.
That shows up in his frequent campus visits, recruiting efforts and service on the Dean’s Advisory Council. “I want to rally more alumni to reconnect, to lift up today’s students, and to unlock new opportunities so the joint college can reach even greater heights.”
His message to current students: “Dive into every opportunity, technical and personal, because your greatest achievements will come from the connections you make and the skills you build. Let your degree be the launchpad for a journey without limits.”
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